Hey Everyone,

     We had a beautiful weekend last week, but boy, it was hot!  I worked Saturday morning, but I was ready to get out of the heat and in to some AC.  A month ago Brian and I went to the opening of the Forain exhibit at the Dixon Gallery.  It is a wonderful exhibit and totally different from the Impressionist painters that I am used to.  We loved it!  But the cool thing is that the Dixon and the Brooks Museum have joined up to have an Impressionist Summer. Just FYI, if you go to one and save your ticket stub you get into the other free. Since the Brooks' exhibit had not opened until mid month, we finally got to go Saturday afternoon.  It was perfect cure for a hot, yucky day. 

     Both Exhibitions are wonderful, but I would have liked to have seen the Brooks' first and then the Dixon's as the main event.  The Brooks has some wonderful works that are on loan from the High Museum in GA and the Dixon.  I do always enjoy the Dixon's collection, I feel like it's seeing an old friend and High's works were some I had never seen before and was excited to see them.  There is one that was a lady in a green dress with red hair.  It is mentioned on the recordings if you get the iPod tour.  She is now one of my favs!   
     If you are bringing children to Brooks there is a cool Impressionist cafe where the kids can color and do projects.  It was a lot of fun.  Even though we did not have any children with us, Brian and I had a good time playing with the smelling boxes and checking out the "Le Enfants" works. There are a lot of talented young artist in Memphis for sure!
     After a great day floating around the Brooks, we needed a reward.  Who knew checking out beautiful art work could be so exhausting. We went and enjoyed Belgian beer and discussed french artists to the point that I am sure we sounded super pretentious.  What a perfect end to a great day.  Paris in Memphis!!!  Magnifique!!!  I am thinking I may start rocking a beret. 

See you around town,
Lauren